Telefunken TF17: A New Home Studio Workhorse?
This FET condenser could be the right fit for your studio.
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Telefunken TF17: A New Home Studio Workhorse? · Source: Telefunken
TF17 Circuitry · Source: Telefunken
Front View. · Source: Telefunken
Scope of Delivery. · Source: Telefunken
The Telefunken TF17 is a large-diaphragm FET condenser new to the Alchemy Series mic family, bringing vintage design to the modern era.
Due to the brand’s heritage, we usually associate Telefunken Elektroakustik with high-end studio microphones that are out of the reach of most home recording enthusiasts. Therefore, a condenser priced in the vicinity of the popular Neumann TLM 103 is an exciting prospect.
Telefunken TF17
Like most mics of its kind, the TF17 promises a richly detailed sound and excellent transparency when capturing transients. Equipped with a capsule modelled on the famous K47, the TF17 captures vocals with incredible accuracy, bringing them right to the front of the mix.
In addition, the TF17 offers a wide low-frequency range, focussed mids, and elegant high-frequencies reminiscent of the Neumann U47 FET. Its cardioid pickup pattern is all that’s really needed in home recording situations and with a maximum SPL of 135 dB, you can capture a wide range of sources.
From delicate instruments like strings, harps, and pianos to roaring guitar amps and drums, the TF17 has all the hallmarks of a great workhorse condenser. Its internal amplifier is similar to the FET amp used on the M60 and TF11 microphones.
Meanwhile, on the output stage, the custom OEP/Carnhill transformer is manufactured in the UK along with the polystyrene film capacitors, Nichicon Fine Gold electrolytic capacitors, and the low-noise JFET.
Central to the TF17 design, is the single-membrane capsule reimagined from the one used on the TF47. Overall, it’s certainly an exciting prospect for home-recording artists looking to capture vocals.
As most home studios don’t have high-end preamps, the only question is how will the mic perform when plugged directly into the average audio interface?
Pricing and availability:
The TF17 is now available for order from Thomann.
More about the Telefunken TF17:
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